a bitter line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or remark that conveys resentment, harshness, or a sense of disappointment. Example: "Her response contained a bitter line that revealed her true feelings about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Alvarez elicited talk-show-style audience participation when he announced that Plath "got the easy out" with her suicide (loud hissing), as did the critic Bonnie Costello, who wondered aloud what Plath would have made of the symposium, and read a bitter line from Plath's poem "Lady Lazarus": "Do not think I underestimate your great concern".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A bitter argument ensues.

The New Yorker

The provincial motto, emblazoned on every car's number plate, is "Je me souviens" (I remember)—an allusion to a poem with the bitter line, "I remember that I was born under the fleur-de-lis and grew up under the rose".

The Economist

The title track is an orgy of self- and non-self-loathing, building to a bitter punch line: "My father didn't give a fuck, / so it's something I inherit.

The New Yorker

The river is called Ouaka, and it has morphed from the life source of the fishing and farming community to a bitter dividing line.

Huffington Post

The titles render one bitter line as: "He says, 'Make me laugh, funnyman,' and I have to do what he says".

The New York Times - Arts

This is softening the shell and will enable you to extract the nut easily without a trace of the bitter lining of the nut.

WikiHow

These short, bitter lines pulse with the pain and fracture from the other other America, the darkest side of the underbelly.

The New York Times - Books

While it has a Berber minority along with an Arabic-speaking Muslim majority, it is not divided by a bitter ethno-sectarian line.

The New York Times

At only 11 pages, the Supreme Court's decision appears sparse -- a fact that University of California at Irvine law professor Richard Hasen, a voting rights expert, suggested was an attempt to avoid a bitter split along ideological lines in an area where the justices have "some great disagreements".

Huffington Post

It is an increasingly bitter fault line running down the centre of our society, pitting public against private, the intrinsic against the instrumental, the economic against the human.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bitter line" to add emphasis when describing a statement filled with resentment or negativity. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter line" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly negative or melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter line" functions as a noun phrase, where 'bitter' modifies 'line'. It serves to describe the quality of a statement or remark. As Ludwig points out, it's used to convey resentment or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bitter line" is a common phrase used to describe a statement laden with resentment or negativity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly negative. Consider alternatives like ""a resentful comment"" or ""a cutting remark"" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to be mindful of your overall tone and context when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resentful comment

Replaces "bitter" with "resentful" to focus on the feeling of resentment behind the statement.

a sarcastic remark

Substitutes "bitter" with "sarcastic" to highlight the use of irony to convey contempt.

a cutting remark

Replaces "bitter" with "cutting" to emphasize the hurtful nature of the statement.

a stinging criticism

Changes the noun to "criticism" and uses "stinging" instead of "bitter" to highlight the painful impact.

a scathing indictment

Replaces "line" with "indictment" and "bitter" with "scathing" to suggest a strong and formal condemnation.

a harsh statement

Uses the more general term "statement" and replaces "bitter" with "harsh" to indicate severity.

an acrimonious phrase

Replaces "bitter" with "acrimonious" and "line" with "phrase", suggesting a contentious or angry expression.

a spiteful comment

Replaces "bitter" with "spiteful" to emphasize the malicious intent behind the remark.

a venomous utterance

Replaces "bitter" with "venomous" and "line" with "utterance", indicating a highly toxic and harmful statement.

a cynical observation

Substitutes "bitter" with "cynical" to focus on the pessimistic or distrustful nature of the remark.

FAQs

What does "a bitter line" mean?

The phrase "a bitter line" refers to a statement or remark that expresses resentment, disappointment, or negativity in a sharp and often cutting way.

How can I use "a bitter line" in a sentence?

You can use "a bitter line" to describe something said that is full of resentment or cynicism. For example, "Her response included "a bitter line" about his past failures."

What are some alternatives to "a bitter line"?

Alternatives include "a resentful comment", "a sarcastic remark", or "a cutting remark", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a bitter line" in writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a bitter line" should be context-dependent. It's most appropriate when you want to emphasize the negative or resentful tone of a statement. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly negative.